In Brief
The Supreme Court addressed whether victims can appeal against acquittal under Section 372 Cr.P.C. without seeking leave from the High Court. The Court held that while victims (including legal heirs) have a statutory right to appeal against acquittal under the proviso to Section 372, this right is subject to obtaining leave from the High Court as required under Section 378(3) Cr.P.C. The proviso must be read harmoniously with Section 378 to maintain consistency with the Code's requirement that no appeal lies except as provided therein. The Court reversed the High Court's contrary finding and remanded for consideration of leave applications.
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